Nonnative Marine Life
Read information about the nonnative species found in Florida and learn how you can help FWRI monitor the health of Florida's marine organisms.
Report sightings of this nonnative shrimp to the Fish Kill Hotline.
In October 2006, FWRI researchers received the first-known lionfish caught in Florida's Gulf coast waters.
The Asian green mussel (Perna viridis) was found in Tampa Bay in
late 1999.
Numerous aquatic organisms may be introduced into nonnative
environments when commercial cargo ships exchange ballast water
with nearshore waters. FWRI is investigating the risks of
potentially harmful microalgae entering Tampa Bay through ballast
water.
The Fish and Wildlife Health Group at the Fish and Wildlife
Research Institute, based in St. Petersburg, Florida, is concerned
with the health status of Florida's marine and estuarine organisms.
View images of nonnative marine life found in Florida waters.